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Biden talks about passing torch in address

He gave a rare Oval Office address to the nation, explaining why he dropped out of the presidential race.

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Last updated: Thursday, July 25, 2024 1:56AM GMT
Biden addresses the nation on decision to exit 2024 race

During a rare Oval Office address to the nation, President Joe Biden said it's best to pass the "torch to a new generation."

"The defense of democracy is more important than any title," Biden said. "Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. And that includes personal ambition."

Said Biden, "I revere this office, but I love my country more."

In his address, he explained why he dropped out of the presidential race and outlined what he hopes to do in his remaining six months in office.

In the meantime, Vice President Kamala Harris is pushing ahead with campaigning for president days after Biden's decision.

With enough delegates secured to become the presumptive Democratic nominee if they keep to their pledges, Harris has held her first campaign rallies. At his first rally since Biden's announcement, Donald Trump attacked Harris while talking to voters in South Carolina.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
KABC logo
Jul 25, 2024, 1:13 AM

Biden delivers prime-time address on decision to exit 2024 race

Watch the video player below for the president's full remarks.

President Joe Biden, in a rare Oval Office address to the nation, spoke extensively for the first time on his decision to withdraw from the 2024 race.
Jul 23, 2024, 6:15 PM

Who's endorsed Kamala Harris and who hasn't?

Click here for a list of the current Democrats who support her, and a few notable figures who haven't yet.

ByRachel Scott ABCNews logo
Jul 21, 2024, 11:31 PM GMT

Sen. Manchin considering reregistering as Democrat, running against Harris: Sources

Independent Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia is considering reregistering as a Democrat to run against Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidential nomination, two sources with knowledge of his decision told ABC News.

The development comes hours after Manchin said he would not run if Biden dropped out of the race.

"No, I want to support a new generation," Manchin told CNN's Jake Tapper on "State of the Union" Sunday.

Manchin went on to say, "He will go down with a legacy unlike many people, as one of the finest and truly a [patriotic] American."

ByWill McDuffie ABCNews logo
Jul 21, 2024, 10:59 PM GMT

RFK Jr. blasts Harris as a 'war hawk'

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. blasted Harris in a press conference on Sunday, criticizing her on everything from foreign policy to civil rights and her work as district attorney in California.

"I think, you know, Kamala Harris is the party of war. She is a war hawk -- you know, the Democratic Party was always the peace party. Kamala Harris is a war hawk on Ukraine. She's a war hawk on China," he said.

Kennedy also accused Harris of having "one of the worst civil rights record of any public official," calling her complicit in the "school-to-prison pipeline."

ABCNews logo
Jul 21, 2024, 10:11 PM GMT

What pushed Biden to drop out of 2024 race?

President Joe Biden had been facing growing pressure from his own party to step aside from the 2024 race, despite his repeated assurances that he plans to stay in the race.

Pressure had mounted after his disastrous June debate with former President Donald Trump which left many within the Democratic Party questioning if he could win his reelection campaign. Before he made his announcement, at least 40 congressional lawmakers had publicly called on Biden to step aside.

Biden's decision Sunday -- which came as he recovers from COVID-19 -- took members of his staff by surprise, despite his repeated assurances doing little to decrease public pressure for him to step down.

Click here for a full look at what pushed the president to not seek reelection.

ABCNews logo
Jul 21, 2024, 10:10 PM GMT

Biden spoke with Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer: Sources

President Joe Biden had conversations with the two top congressional Democrats Sunday as he ended his 2024 presidential campaign, sources told ABC News.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, left, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, right, walk out of the West Wing of the White House in Washington on Jan. 17, 2024.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, left, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, right, walk out of the West Wing of the White House in Washington on Jan. 17, 2024.

Biden spoke with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, sources said.

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